A worldwide producer of electronic systems for the automotive industry has opened a UK headquarters in Solihull.

German firm Vector produces software tools and components for electronic systems used inside vehicles. It has bases in Europe, America and Asia, and employs 900 people worldwide.

The company has long served the UK’s automotive industry as part of its European operations, and has created a division to operate from Blythe Valley Park.

Uwe Gerlinger, managing director of Vector GB, said: “We have dealt with clients in the UK for quite a while and a year ago we started to think about opening a subsidiary. Obviously the financial markets began to have problems but we decided to carry on and invest.

“We analysed the country for the best location for transport and where would be logical because of our client base. We soon realised that this area was ideal, and that Blythe Valley Park was our best option.

“The unit has everything we need and we are perfectly situated.

“Progress may be a little slower than we predicted, but our plan is to take our workforce from four to 15 in the coming years and establish ourselves throughout the country.”

Vector has taken space at the Rhodium building at Blythe Valley Park which is jointly owned by Doughty Hanson & Co Real Estate and Liberty Property Trust and is home to companies including Arup, Virgin, Oracle and Scott Wilson.

Meriden MP Caroline Spelman said during a visit to Vector: “It is good news to see that a company of the experience and stature of Vector has chosen to locate to the area to strengthen its links to the automotive sector.

“Not only is it a show of faith in our automotive companies but also a coup for Blythe Valley Park to have attracted another international name.”